Dunkin’ Donuts wants to add 12 locations in TC

TRAVERSE CITY — Dunkin’ Donuts wants Traverse City to taste a little sweeter.

The company soon could be serving up its signature coffee and baked goods from multiple franchise locations in the area.

The coffee shop chain will host an informational seminar in Lansing next month to recruit franchisees in Traverse City, Grand Rapids, Detroit and Lansing. Dunkin’ Donuts aims to open roughly 12 new locations in the Traverse City area, said Patrick Cunningham, senior director of franchising for Dunkin’ Brands Inc.

“The expansion in Michigan is part of our plan to grow Dunkin’ Donuts’ presence over the years across the country,” Cunningham said.

There are currently 74 Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants operating in Michigan, according to a press release from the company. The statewide expansion will target areas where the brand lacks a strong presence. Traverse City in particular has only one Dunkin’ Donuts location — inside Great Wolf Lodge, 3575 N. US Highway 31 S.

“We just believe that Traverse City a great opportunity for us to build the brand,” Cunningham said. “Customers shouldn’t have to drive downstate to get a good cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee.”

Dunkin’ Donuts hasn’t yet set any goals for opening dates in the area, he said, and likely won’t until franchisees are selected.

“There’s probably no single bigger decision that we make here than who we select as a franchisee,” Cunningham said. “We want to be very careful that we select the right candidate.”

Franchisees must meet a specific financial profile set by the company, he said, which includes a minimum net worth of $500,000 and liquid assets of at least $250,000. The initial cost required to open a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise can range from $109,700 to more than $1.6 million, depending on store size and type.

“It all depends on the site,” Cunningham said. “We offer a wide variety of options as a very flexible representation of our brand.”

The company’s upcoming recruiting seminar is geared toward gas station and convenience store operators, a sector that Dunkin’ Donuts has been targeting nationally. But Cunningham said the brand is still open to other franchise setups.

“We’re not just seeking gas and convenience store owners,” he said. “We’re looking for entrepreneurs that understand our franchise model and know how to build a team.”

The Dunkin’ Donuts Informational Franchising Seminar will be held at Hampton Inn and Suites Lansing West, 900 N. Canal Road, on June 7 from 2 to 4 p.m. Visit franchisingevents.dunkinbrands.com to RSVP to the center.